Since Prime Minister Hun Manet was appointed as the country's new leader, US Ambassador to Cambodia Patrick Murphy has been actively holding meetings with important figures in Cambodia. He has also had two meetings with Hun Manet, the country's current leader who attended school in the US.

It should be reasonable to assume that both Cambodia and the US desire to have excellent ties. Ambassador Patrict Murphy really hopes to build a cordial relationship between the two countries. Why is it so difficult for me (Cambodia) to simply be a friend of the US, Hun Sen asked when he visited the US in 2022.

What are the issues and difficulties in establishing positive ties between Cambodia and the US?

First and first, we must admit that the US was one of the first nations to establish diplomatic ties with Cambodia before any other nations in the area or the entire world, and that the US actively encouraged Cambodia to secede from France. The largest market for Cambodia to import its goods at the moment is the US market, which is highly significant for Cambodia. However, there are also other factors that need be taken into account, thus those two primary elements are insufficient for the countries to build positive relationships with one another.

It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the relationship between the two countries in order to successfully repair bilateral relations between the United States and Cambodia.

Relationships between the US and Cambodia have been tense recently for a number of reasons. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen's administration in Cambodia has come under fire for perceived repression of political dissent, limitations on the right to free speech, and alleged abuses of human rights. US authorities have expressed worry over these steps, which have also strained diplomatic ties between the two nations.

In addition, in response to these worries, the United States has imposed sanctions on specific Cambodian officials and businesses. These restrictions have made the relationship even more complicated and made it difficult for diplomatic efforts to succeed.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the United States and Cambodia do have some areas of collaboration and common ground. The two nations have a history of working together on problems like anti-terrorism, local security, and economic growth. Building bridges and sustaining a positive relationship will depend on recognizing these shared objectives and potential areas of cooperation.

The US Ambassador and Cambodian Prime Minister must conduct an exhaustive examination of the current situation of US-Cambodia relations in order to effectively rebuild bilateral relations. This entails looking at the underlying reasons why the relationship is tense, comprehending the worries and interests of each party, and finding possible areas of agreement.

In order to learn more about political attitude, policy initiatives, and important areas of attention, the US Ambassador and Cambodian authorities should commit time and resources to this task. This could entail speaking with local stakeholders, journalists, and specialists knowledgeable about Cambodian politics, as well as examining public speeches, official pronouncements, and policy documents.

Open and regular communication is one of the most crucial strategies to build rapport and trust. This entails opening diplomatic channels of communication and keeping in touch frequently. Both parties can lay the groundwork for trust and understanding by showing a sincere interest in one another's worries and goals.

Showing respect for one another's cultures and customs is also crucial. Both sides can show that they genuinely want to cross the cultural divide and promote respect for one another by becoming familiar with and embracing the local traditions. This can be accomplished through participating actively in campaigns that encourage cross-cultural exchange, attending significant cultural events, and interacting with local community leaders.

Building bridges and repairing mutual relations between the US and Cambodia need addressing human rights concerns and advancing democratic values. Regarding the deterioration of democratic values and breaches of human rights, Cambodia has recently come under attention and criticism. It is not important for Cambodia to repress those who work for NGOs and environmental activists, Cambodian government should support those people in order to gain good reputation in the world.

When it comes to bridging gaps and mend fences between nations, diplomacy's importance cannot be overstated. The relationship between the US ambassador and the prime minister of Cambodia serves as a prime example of the value of diplomatic efforts in settling disputes, clearing up miscommunications, and fostering understanding.

A vital technique for fostering communication, encouraging cooperation, and identifying areas of agreement between countries with potentially divergent interests or viewpoints is diplomacy. It enables genuine dialogue, compromise, and negotiation—all of which are crucial for mending strained bonds.

The US and Cambodia must establish open lines of communication, look for chances for dialogue, and show a sincere interest in comprehending and addressing the issues and objectives of the host country if they truly want to build positive relations.

Diplomatic efforts shouldn't be restricted to official negotiations and high-level gatherings. Cultural gatherings, educational initiatives, and people-to-people contacts can all significantly contribute to international understanding and bridge building.

Diplomatic efforts ultimately depend on endurance, perseverance, and a dedication to finding common ground. It necessitates the capacity to maneuver through complex political environments, adjust to shifting conditions, and give priority to long-term objectives over immediate rewards. While rebuilding international ties is a difficult work, with the correct diplomatic strategy, it is possible to close gaps, promote cooperation, and open the door for a more peaceful and fruitful partnership.

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Dr. Seun Sam is policy analyst of the Royal Academy of Cambodia. 

RAC Media